NEW DELHI: Asaduddin Owaisi, Hyderabad MP and All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief, took a jab at Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Aditynath over his “DNA remark” linking Sambhal violence to atrocities against the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
In an attacking response to Yogi Aditynath’s remark, Owaisi said the UP CM’s statement was “really dangerous and objectionable”.
He alleged that CM Yogi Adityanath has been trying “to influence the Sambhal case which is sub-judice”.
Owaisi also attacked the central government for giving shelter to ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted her post on August 5 and forced to flee her nation after mass uprising against her government.
“Uttar Pradesh CM has said something really dangerous and objectional. What do Indian Muslims have anything to do with Bangladeshi Hindus? How is a citizen of India responsible for what is happening in Bangladesh? And why has BJP govt allowed the deposed leader to stay in India? Send that leader back (to Bangladesh). The CM is trying to influence the Sambhal case which is sub-judice,” Owaisi told news agency ANI.
Earlier in the day, CM Yogi Adityanath drew a parallel between the incidents of violence in Sambhal and unrest in Bangladesh, saying that “the nature and their DNA are the same.”
Speaking at the inauguration of the Ramayan Mela at Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya, he pointed out the historical and cultural significance of unity while reminding against forces that seek to disrupt harmony.
He said: “Remember what Babar’s men did in Ayodhya Kumbh 500 years ago. The same thing happened in Sambhal, and the same is happening in Bangladesh. The nature of the three and their DNA is the same.”
Tensions in Sambhal brewed after a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque on November 19, after claims that a Harihar temple once stood on the site. The situation turned violent during a second survey on November 24, as protesters gathered near the Shahi Jama Masjid and clashed with security forces.
The violence left four people dead and several others injured. Earlier this week, Yogi Adityanath made his stance clear on law and order while reviewing the situation in Sambhal earlier this week.
“No one should be allowed to spread anarchy in any district of the state. Ensure that not even a single rioter from Sambhal is spared,” he instructed officials.